Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short treks in the Annapurna Region, which provides you with the best close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, and the towering Annapurna massif. Our 9-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek takes you to an altitude of 4,500 meters, reaching the spectacular Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Mardi Himal Base Camp is located on a scenic eastern ridge of the Annapurna Massif, offering views of Annapurna Sanctuary, home to the famous Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). On this trek, you will pass through beautiful Gurung and Magar villages, peaceful forest trails, alpine landscapes, and dramatic Himalayan panoramas. The trail and tea house here is not crowded, offering you a peaceful trekking experience.

This carefully designed 9-day Mardi Himal base camp trek itinerary from Kathmandu is suitable for trekkers with good stamina and average fitness. This trek welcomes you to enjoy the Himalayan adventure, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker.

What To Expect on the Mardi Himal Trek – 9 Days

Your Mardi Trek 9 Days begins from Kathmandu with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will take a short drive to Kande and start your trek inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail gradually ascends from warm lowlands into cooler mountain environments, offering changing landscapes every day.

Each trekking day begins early, usually between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, after having a delicious breakfast at the teahouse. You will trek for a few hours through beautiful trails before stopping for lunch at a local tea house or scenic resting point along the route. In the afternoon, you continue your walk to reach the day’s destination, where your trekking guide will assist you with check-in at the teahouse.

In the evening, you will relax in the mountain tea house, enjoying a warm, freshly prepared meal with beautiful mountain scenery.

Accommodation is simple here, but comfortable as they are run by the local families. You will enjoy the warm hospitality and authentic Nepali dishes. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, and trekking may feel more challenging, especially on the final ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), but the views are highly rewarding.

Weather changes rapidly in the mountain region, so expect both sunny and cold conditions. Be prepared for the rainfall and snowfall by carrying essentail clothing and gear items. Overall, the trek is moderate in difficulty and suitable for trekkers with reasonable fitness and a positive spirit for adventure.

Major Attraction of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is famous for its stunning mountain views, peaceful trails, and rich cultural experiences. Here you will experience:

Peaceful Nature Experience:

Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp is less crowded than other treks, which is perfect for individuals who yearn for time to themselves. You trek through beautiful Rhododendron forests, serene groves of bamboo, and grasslands covered in wildflowers. Fresh air, birdsong, waterfalls, and the swaying of the breeze in the trees make you feel as if you have bid farewell to the stress of everyday life. It is the perfect way to relax and be one with nature.

Breathtaking Mountain Scenery:

The Mardi trek takes you to the base camp at about 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Reaching this height feels like a big achievement. The walk is tough in some parts, with rocky, steep paths, but the view from the top is worth it. You’ll see stunning mountains like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail). It’s a moment that boosts your confidence and gives you a feeling of success.

Local Culture Experience:

Along the trek to Mardi Himal, you will pass through Gurung villages. They are very friendly and generous. You will have the option to have tea at their homes and see them doing everyday chores. It is the best way to experience Nepali culture and traditions.

Simple Living on the Trail:

On the trek to the Mardi Himal, you will stay overnight in small villages in teahouses. They provide basic accommodation and meals, but it is genuine and homey. You’ll dine with fellow hikers, huddle over the fire, and share tales. There will be no luxuries so that you will enjoy the little things, such as an open sky full of stars.

Best suited for beginners:

This trek is neither too challenging nor too demanding. It is suitable for the majority, even if you’re inexperienced at trekking. No climbing skills or special gear are needed. With a bit of exercise and some time to get used to the altitude, many novices complete the trek and have fun.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost For 2026/2027

The cost of the 9-day Mardi Himal Trek package with High Route Adventure depends on the group size. The larger the group, the more discounts you can receive per person. Let’s take a look at the cost of the Mardi Himal trek package per person.

Below is the Mardi Himal Trek package Cost per person

Short Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara- 5 Days

Are you looking for a short Mardi trek that can be completed in under a week? Then here is our 5-Day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara. To learn more about the cost and package, please contact us(+977-9851058664). This Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days is best for Nepali and foreign tourists who want to explore Mardi Himal from Pokhara.

Outline Itinerary – 5 Days

Day 1: Drive to Kande from Pokhara & trek to Forest Camp(2,550m)
Day 2: Trek to Badal Danda(3,210m)
Day 3: Trek to High Camp (3,700m)
Day 4: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and descend to Sidding (1,885m)
Day 5: Drive back to Pokhara

Recommended Read:

Nepal Tourist Visa:

All foreign citizens who want to enter Nepal for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek must obtain a Nepal tourist visa. Obtaining the visa is easy. You can obtain it either in advance from your home country or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) as an arrival visa. The visa cost depends on how much you want to spend in Nepal. For the short Mardi Himal Trek, you can obtain a 15-day visa. For the Mardi Himal trek with extra days, we suggest you have a 30-day visa.

• 15 Days Nepal visa cost: USD 30
• 30 Days Nepal visa cost: USD 50
• 90 Days Nepal visa Cost: USD 120

For more information about Nepal, check here: Nepal Country Information.

Currency Exchange and ATM facilities:

While trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp, teahouses, local shops, and restaurants accept only cash payments in Nepali currency (NPR). There are no ATMs along the trekking route, so you should exchange money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.

We recommend carrying around NPR 10,000 – 20,000, which is usually sufficient for snacks, hot water, device charging, tips, and any unexpected expenses such as weather delays or emergencies. In some places, QR payment may be available in lower regions, but cash is still the most reliable option throughout the trek.

Getting a local SIM (NTC or Ncell) for the Mardi Trek:

For tourists, a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) is a convenient option for communication and mobile internet. You can use this SIM during the Mardi Himal trek as the mobile network works fine. 

Where to get the Sim?

• From Tribhuvan International Airport.
• From authorised shops in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Required document to obtain the SIM?

• Your original passport with a valid visa.
• 2 recent passport-size photographs.
• Please fill out the form and pay a fee of around USD 1.

Photography and Drone rules during the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

The Mardi Himal trek is the best destination for stunning views of mountain peaks and beautiful landscapes. You can take photos and videos with your mobile or camera without any issues. But if you are using the drone, you must obtain a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. This is because Mardi Himal is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Flying a drone within the conservation area requires a permit, which will cost around USD 1,800. If you are caught flying a drone without a permit, you will face legal consequences. Read more: Drone Permit in Nepal.

Why is it important to Have Travel Insurance 

Although it is not mandatory to submit travel and health insurance for the Mardi Himal trek, we strongly suggest that you have it. You never know what situations may arise during the trek, so insurance is important for your safety and peace of mind. Therefore, you should have travel and health insurance that covers trekking risks, including emergency medical and helicopter evacuation.

If you purchase the travel and health insurance, it must cover these things:

• Trekking risk upto 5,000m.
• Emergency medical treatment
• Helicopter evacuation 
• Accidents and injuries during the trek
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Loss or delay of baggage

Further reading: Travel Insurance

Booking, Payment And Cancellation Policy

Booking: To book the Mardi Himal Trek with High Route Adventure, please review the package details first. After that, you can book the the trip with us according to your preferred date based on your interest and schedule. To confirm the booking, you need to make an advance payment of 20% of the total cost listed on the website.

Payment: You can make a payment using a credit card, bank transfer, or other secure online payment methods accepted by High Route Adventure. We will not cover the bank charge. For the Online Payment, please click here: Bank Details for Payment.

Cancellation Policy: The advance payment is non-refundable, but you can use it for any future trek in Nepal or choose to postpone your trip to a later date.

Notes

Required Permits For the Mardi Himal Trek

Here is the list of permits and their costs for the Mardi Himal Trek in the table below:

To get the Mardi Himal Trek permits, you need to provide us with the following documents and information:

• Copy of your passport
• 2 Passport-sized photos

Note: When you book with us, you don’t have to worry about getting these permits. We will arrange this for you to make your trip smooth and hassle-free.

Oxygen Levels by Altitude During Mardi Himal Trek

Note: The oxygen percentages shown are approximate and are compared to sea-level oxygen availability. Above 3,500 m, proper acclimatization, adequate hydration, and a gradual ascent are essential to help minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Mardi Himal Trek Best Time

The Mardi Himal trek is possible year-round, but the best seasons to experience this excellent trail are spring and autumn. The two seasons have been chosen as the most suitable due to the following reasons.

Spring Season (March-May):

• It is warm during the day and cool in the evening, perfect for hiking.
• It is flanked with rhododendrons in bloom as well as multicolored wildflowers.
• During the early part of the spring season, the high areas may still have snow patches, which will add to the scenery.
• There is little or no rainfall, so roads are dry and safe.
• One can also see Himalayan birds and animals that migrate more often in these months.

Autumn Season (September – November):

• The ideal season to hike to Mardi Himal is autumn, as it offers clear weather and stable conditions.
• You will enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, especially that of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South.
• This is also the time of festive celebration in Nepal. The villages along the way have celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar.
• The route is dry and safe, with crossing the higher altitudes less difficult as less snow is encountered.
• You will encounter hospitable trekkers who share your own experience at the tea houses on the route.

Note: Off-seasons for the trek to Mardi Himal are December to February (winter) and from June to August (monsoon season). Winter is a season of freezing temperatures and snow, especially at higher altitudes, which can render hiking difficult. The monsoon season comes with heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and the danger of landslides. So if you are trekking in off season you need to be extra careful.

Mardi Himal Temperature And Weather

The weather on the Mardi Himal Trek varies depending on season and altitude. Lower elevations are generally warmer, while higher areas such as High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp can be cold, especially at night.

Note: Always check the weather forest before travelling and during the trek.

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty and Preparation Tips

The Mardi Himal Trek is graded as an easy to moderate trek in terms of difficulty. If you have previous trekking experience, the trek will be easy for you. For first-time trekkers, it can be a little challenging due to the new terrain, continuous uphill sections, and higher altitude. However, if you maintain a reasonable fitness level, you can have a wonderful time in Mardi Himal base camp, no matter if you are a beginner or first first-time trekker. Here are the common risks you will face. Knowing this will help you prepare for the trek.

• Altitude: On these 9 Days, the Mardi Himal trek starts from Kande, at an altitude of 1770 meters (5,807 feet), and takes you to the base camp, which is 4500 meters (14,764 feet). While reaching such altitudes, some trekkers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, Dizziness or light-headedness, Nausea or vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue or weakness, Shortness of breath, and Trouble sleeping (insomnia). To avoid altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal Trek, follow acclimatization plans such as walking slowly, avoiding alcohol, drinking enough water, and taking proper rest.
• Difficult Terrain: The Mardi Himal Trek routes take you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, steep inclines, and rocky paths. Walking in such terrain can be tough for first-time trekkers. To deal with rugged terrain, use good trekking shoes, carry trekking poles, and maintain good leg strength.
• Weather: The weather in Mardi Himal is sometimes unpredictable, with the potential for rain, snow, or bright sunshine in a single day. Pack layering clothing, waterproof clothing, and rain gear.
• Remoteness: The Mardi Himal Trek route is less developed than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can expect basic teahouse accommodations and limited medical facilities. Carry essentials like a first-aid kit and travel insurance for emergencies.
• Mental Resilience: Long trekking days, especially during the Mardi Base Camp summit, are tough and demand mental fortitude. Stay positive and focus on your dream of reaching base camp

Read more: A Complete Travel Guide to Mardi Himal Trekking.

Accommodation On Mardi Himal Trail: What To Expect

When you choose the Mardi Himal Trek Package with High Route Adventure, your comfort and convenience are our priorities. As part of your trekking experience, we will thoughtfully arrange your stay at reputable tea houses or mountain lodges along the trail. These accommodations are designed to give trekkers a cozy, immersive Himalayan experience and to ensure they have what they need for a restful night's stay.

Your Room at the Tea House/Mountain Lodge:

• Comfortable yet straightforward lodging: Enjoy a clean, warm room in a communal mountain setting.
• Essentials included: Each room features a soft twin bed with a cozy warm blanket, a bedsheet, a pillow, and a small table for convenience.
• Shared facilities: Rest assured that shared toilet facilities are available and maintained for hygiene and functionality.
• Local hospitality: Tea houses also offer warm meals prepared from local ingredients, ensuring you're nourished after a day of trekking.

These mountain lodges are strategically located along the Mardi Himal trail, balancing accessibility with the authentic charm of off-grid trekking in the Annapurna region. While accommodations are basic, they reflect the rugged beauty of the Himalayas and the friendly, welcoming nature of the local communities.

By choosing our Mardi Himal package, you gain not only a seamless journey but also the peace of mind that your stay will be handled with care and professionalism. For more details or to secure your trekking experience, contact High Route Adventure today.

Food On Mardi Himal Trail: What To Expect

While on the Mardi Himal Trek, High Route Adventure will arrange three meals for you. You will have a veg and non-veg option, and if you have any special dietary requirements, you can let us know during booking. Mostly, you will get simple Nepali traditional dishes and a few other international dishes made in a Nepali style. Let's see the common dish you can expect on the menu in the tea house.

Breakfast: Tibetan bread with jam or honey, Boiled eggs or omelette, Pancakes (plain, apple, or banana), Porridge or muesli with milk

Lunch and dinner: Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles), Fried rice or noodles with vegetables, egg, or chicken, Pasta with tomato or cheese sauce, Mo: Mo (Nepali dumplings), Noodles, Potato curry or vegetable curry with rice or chapati

Drinks: Black tea, milk tea, or masala tea, Coffee (instant or brewed), Hot lemon with honey, Bottled water or boiled/filtered water, Soft drinks, Alcoholic beverage

Note: Drinks will not be included in the Mardi Himal Trek Package.

Facilities On Mardi Trek

• ATM: There are no ATM facilities in Mardi Himal trekking trail. So carry local currency before heading for the trek.
• Drinking water: You can buy a water bottle or use a hot water bottle to refill it from the tea house. A water bottle will cost you around NPR 200-300 per liter.
• Wifi: All the tea houses you will stay at provide wifi at an extra cost. They will charge you around USD 1-3 to use the wifi service.
• Hot Shower: A hot shower facility is also available at the tea house, but it's not free, and water is limited. You will need to pay around USD 2-3 for access to the hot shower facility.
• Electricity: You will find the charging station in the tea house, where you can charge all your electronic devices. This service is not free. You need to pay around USD 1-3 per hour.

Transportation For Mardi Himal Trek

On this Mardi Himal Trek Package, we will arrange a tourist bus from Kathmandu for you. You will reach Pokhara in about 6-7 hours, and from Pokhara, we will arrange a private jeep or taxi to Kande. After completing the trek, you will take a tourist bus and return to Kathmandu. For those who want to avoid the road, they can take a flight. If you would like to use a flight, please add the extra cost for this service. 

• Kathmandu to Pokhara flight cost for foreigners: USD 105( for one way)
• Kathmandu to Pokhara flight cost for Indians: INR 3000( for one way)
• Kathmandu to Pokhara flight cost for Nepali: NPR 4200( for one way)

Note: Flight fares may change depending on the peak season, availability, and other factors. Worth reading: Kathmandu to Pokhara Transportation

High Route Adventure Team For Mardi Himal Trek

Here are the teams you will get when you book the Mardi Himal Trek Package with High Route Adventure.

• Private Vehicle with Driver: We will arrange a private vehicle with a driver for airport pickup and drop-off.
• Trekking Guide: We will provide you with a licensed, experienced, and well-trained guide. Our guide speaks good English and will ensure your safety while giving proper instructions throughout the trip. If you are in a large group, then we will also provide you with an assistance trekking guide.
• Porter: High Route Adventure will provide you with porter service for your Mardi Himal Trek, and one porter will be assigned to two trekkers. One porter will carry a load of up to 20kg. 

Learn About Altitude Sickness

Your primary purpose is to visit the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters above sea level, to enjoy close views of Mardi Peak (5,587m), Fishtail Peak (6,993m), and other 7,000- and 8,000-meter peaks. While reaching such a high altitude as Mardi Himal base camp, the risk of altitude sickness remains high due to the low level of oxygen in the air.  Due to the effect of high altitude, some trekkers experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as difficulty in breathing, fatigue, headache, nausea, or dizziness.

These AMS symptoms can occur to anyone above an altitude of 3,000m. If you or someone on your team experiences AMS, they must immediately inform the trekking guide before it turns into HACE and HAPE.

How To Prevent alitude sickness during Mardi Himal Trek

1. Avoid walking too fast during the trek, as gaining altitude too quickly increases the risk of altitude sickness.
2. Take enough rest whenever your body wants and walk at your own pace.
3. Carry a water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine intake.
5. Please avoid shortcut itineraries and follow only the standard itinerary, which includes proper acclimatisation days.
6. Consume a balanced, high-carbohydrate diet to maintain energy levels.
7. If you experience AMS symptoms, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
8. If AMS symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention
9. Take Diamox by consulting with your doctor before heading for the Mardi Himal base camp trek

Mardi Himal Trek Cost for Nepali?

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the top choices for Nepali citizen begin close to Pokhara and can be finished in within a week. A Nepali citizen can take a tourist bus from Gongabu station and take an 8-9-hour drive to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will head to the Baglung bus park to catch the bus and drive to Kande, and start your trek toward Mardi Himal Base Camp. After completing the trek, you will follow the same route back to Pokhara.

Let's see the Mardi Himal trek cost for Nepali

• Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus: NPR 1700 per person( one way)
• Hotel stay in Pokhara: NPR 1500-3000 per person
• Bus fare from Pokhara to Kande: NPR 200-300 per person
• Tea house stay package: NPR 1200-1800 per day( sharing bed with dinner and breakfast)
• Lunch, snacks and personal expense: NPR 500-1000 per person

In total, for 7 Days Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu for Nepali it will cost around 20,000 per person.

Side Trips and Extensions from the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

For those who have time, they can do a side trip or extend the trip with other popular trekking routes in the Annapurna region.

• Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda Trek: You can extend your trip after you reach Mardi Himal Base Camp and enter the Khopra Ridge. To complete the Mardi and Khopra trek, it takes around 12 to 15 days.
• Mardi Himal and Poon Hill Trek: Many trekkers combine the Mardi Himal Trek with a visit to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m). The sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is absolutely breathtaking, while the trek through colorful rhododendron forests adds to the beauty of the journey.
• Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek: One of the most Short trek in Pokhara is the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It takes you to the Machhapucchre Base Camp(3,700 m) and Annapurna Base Camp(4,130 m) with close-up views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
• Mardi Himal and Ghandruk Village: For those who want to enjoy the traditional Gurung culture with mountain views, they can extend their trip to Ghandruk Village(2,012 m). If you want to visit this cultural village, you need to add an extra 2-3 days to your itinerary.

Equipment

When you are heading for the Mardi Himal trek you will pass through warm subtropical forest on the lower sections to the high alitude open Himalayan landscape where temperatures can plummet to –10°C overnight. While packing you need to pack for the fast-changing Himalayan weather from forest heat, mountain wind, and freezing temperatures. The layering system is everything for this trek so below we have prepared the list that will help for all weather conditions:

While packing you need to understand that our porter will carry High Route Adventure Duffle bag where you can keep your clothes, sleeping bag, extras items. Our porter will be divided among two trekkers and each porter carries the maximum of 20kg. So for the main bag( porter carries) don't exceed more than 10kg for the ethical limit. For the daypack which you will carry make the weight limit of maxium 7 kg. Keep the essential things like water, snacks, camera and layer items.

To make easier for you while packing we haved prepared this list category wise. You can follow this:

🥾Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots
• 3–4 pairs Wool or synthetic trekking sock
• Lightweight camp sandals or flip-flops for teahouse evening
• Gaiters highly used during winter or in early spring
• Sock liners (thin inner socks) to reduce friction and blister risk

🧥Clothing Layers

Base Layer

• Moisture-wicking base layer top(Merino wool or synthetic — never cotton at altitude)
• Thermal base layer bottoms(Essential for High Camp nights)

Mid Layer

• Fleece jacket or mid-layer top
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket

Outer / Shell Layer

• Waterproof shell jacket
• Waterproof shell trousers / rain pants

General Clothing

• Trekking trousers - 2 pairs
• Trekking shirts (long & short sleeve) - 2–3 shirts; quick-dry fabric only
• Warm hat / beanie
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens
• Neck gaiter or buff
• 3–4 pairs Underwear

🎒Packs & Bags

• Duffle Bag - Provide by HRA
• Daypack (20–30L) with rain cover
• Small dry bags or zip-lock bags for electronic, documents, and clothing
• Stuff sack  for separating dirty clothes from clean

🛏️Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag rated to –5°C or lower
• Sleeping bag liner
• Earplugs

🧭Trekking Equipment

• Trekking poles (pair)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Water bottles
• Hydration bladder (optional)
• Water purification tablets
• Trekking map or downloaded offline map

💊Health & First Aid

• Personal first aid kit( Blister plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, safety pins )
• Diamox (Acetazolamide)
• Pain relief (Ibuprofen or Paracetamol)
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS packets)
• Antihistamine (allergy tablets)
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Antibiotics (broad-spectrum)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Lip balm with SPF
• Knee support braces
• Blister kit (Compeed or similar)

The Weight Rule: For every item you pack, ask: "Will I use this every day?" If no, leave it. Every extra kilogram you carry becomes a real cost at altitude. Many trekkers return wishing they'd brought half as much clothing. You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it in storage.